MYRModel Year Report

1996 Mercedes Benz E Class

○ Not enough data
1996 Mercedes Benz E Class
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:53:50.972Z

Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
16

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1996

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1993: 7 complaints 1993 1994: 38 complaints 1995: 21 complaints 1996: 16 complaints 1996 16 1997: 38 complaints 1998: 24 complaints 1999: 13 complaints 1999 2000: 34 complaints 2001: 15 complaints 2001 2002: 8 complaints 2003: 45 complaints 2003 2004: 15 complaints 2005: 9 complaints 2005 2006: 10 complaints 2008: 5 complaints 2008
1993: 7 complaints 1993 1994: 38 complaints 1994 1995: 21 complaints 1995 1996: 16 complaints 1996 16 1997: 38 complaints 1997 1998: 24 complaints 1998 1999: 13 complaints 1999 2000: 34 complaints 2000 2001: 15 complaints 2001 2002: 8 complaints 2002 2003: 45 complaints 2003 2004: 15 complaints 2004 2005: 9 complaints 2005 2006: 10 complaints 2006 2008: 5 complaints 2008
1993: 7 complaints 1993 1994: 38 complaints 1994 1995: 21 complaints 1995 1996: 16 complaints 1996 16 1997: 38 complaints 1997 1998: 24 complaints 1998 1999: 13 complaints 1999 2000: 34 complaints 2000 2001: 15 complaints 2001 2002: 8 complaints 2002 2003: 45 complaints 2003 2004: 15 complaints 2004 2005: 9 complaints 2005 2006: 10 complaints 2006 2008: 5 complaints 2008

1996: 16 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19920
19937
199438
199521
199616
199738
199824
199913
200034
200115
20028
200345
200415
20059
200610
20085

Known problem areas

Only 16 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Suspension

7 of 16 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing front and coil springs.

Show complaint excerpts

I have a 1996 mercedes E300D and recently I learned from an internet message board about a safety defect on this chassis involving the front suspension.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-06-14

Right front spring perch mount broke on my 1996 E300D mercedes while beginning to make a right hand turn from a stop sign controlled intersection. Vehicle gave no forewarning signs, and had in-fact just been serviced week prior.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-05-20

Electrical system

6 of 16 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood.

Show complaint excerpts

After several electrical abnormalities, I examined the engine compartment, which for all practical purposes, looks as new. I was shocked to see that the wiring at the glow plug relay was deteriorated and bare.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-26

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling and power train

Engine and engine cooling

3 of 16 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.

Show complaint excerpts

1996 Mercedes-Benz stalls out.*mr the consumer stated the vehicle stalled under normal driving conditions.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-10-11

Power train

1 of 16 total reports mentions: power train.

Equipment

1 of 16 total reports mentions: equipment, most commonly citing air conditioner.

Show complaint excerpts

A/c compressor failed.

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-01-10

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1996-04-22Engine and engine cooling96V058000 The drive belt pulley on the engine can develop fatigue cracks in the metal and break. If the drive pulley breaks, the car would not have engine cooling, battery charging, and/or power steering.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine crankshaft damper-pulley on these vehicles.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    2007-04-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 2007-08-09 Front suspension coil spring ejection
  3. R
    2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…

    Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1996 Mercedes Benz E Class — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Suspension: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 96V058000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1996 Mercedes Benz E Class reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Mercedes Benz E Class?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Mercedes Benz E Class have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.